Grifone 2022, Italy

GRIFONE 2022

ARTICLE BY MARCO MUNTZ

The 2022 edition of the Italian search and rescue (SAR) exercise GRIFONE took place between 13 and 17 June in the Province of Piacenza in Northern Italy. Each year, in cooperation with the Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico, the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) organizes three national and one international SAR exercise, called SATER and GRIFONE (Griffin) respectively. The international aspect of GRIFONE includes the participation of neighboring countries and the presence of observers from all over the world. This year, observers from five different countries were present at the military reserve base San Damiano to witness the exercise aimed to consolidate and improve procedures, techniques, and cooperation between all participating teams with one common goal in mind, to save human lives.

Multinational agreement

GRIFONE is planned and executed by the Aeronautica Militare and has its origin based on two agreements. The international agreement SAR Mediterraneo

Occidentale (SAR MED.OCC.) was signed in 1978 between Italy, France, and Spain to support each other in aerial search and rescue operations, both on land and at sea. The SAR MED.OCC. agreement encourages all participating countries to exercise together at least once per year, with the objective to enhance both coordination and collaboration. The second is an agreement between the Stato Maggiore Difesa (Italian Ministry of Defence) and the Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico (CNSAS – National Alpine Rescue Corps) to organize and conduct rescue operations in close cooperation in case of any aircraft accident. The Italian Armed Forces are responsible for all support in the air, mainly helicopters, while the CNSAS has sections all over Italy and contributes to such a mission with manpower and equipment. Also, Italian law enforcement agencies like the Guardia di Finanza, Polizia di Stato, and Carabinieri as well as the Vigili del Fuoco can be called upon to assist in an emergency situation.

Organizing rescue operations

Planning of GRIFONE 2022 started more than six months before the actual exercise, the first meeting with the Prefettura di Piacenza (Piacenza prefecture) was already held in February. The previous edition of GRIFONE was conducted on the island of Sardinia in September 2021. Every year, GRIFONE is organized in a different region in Italy to offer training in as many different areas as possible, each one with its own specific geographical features. Also, this way, more people can participate to train and ultimately improve their skills in a specific field of expertise in the complex chain of search and rescue operations. A vast area in the northern Apennine Mountains (Appennino Piacentino), covering over 2,500 square kilometers, was allocated as the zone of operation for this year's exercise. Former 50° Stormo airbase Piacenza-San Damiano served as Deployed Operating Base (DOB) for logistic and administrative support. Within the airbase, a fully equipped heliport was set up, the so-called Posto Base Avanzato (PBA). The PBA is a temporary airport close to the area of operation to minimize flight times, using all assets in the most efficient way possible as time is a decisive factor in the successful outcome of a rescue mission. The Comando

The flight line at Piacenza-San Damiano during GRIFONE 2022 comprising an Italian Navy MH-101A, Spanish Air Force NH-90, and a Carabinieri UH-139D in the front.

The blue-white colored AB-212 belongs to the 'Servizio Aereo della Polizia di Stato' which still has 21 AB-212s at its disposal, allocated to seven different Reparti Volo (flight units), scattered all over Italy. The Bologna-based 3° Reparto Volo has four AB-212 assigned, which are being operated alongside the AB-206. The AB-212, which participated in GRIFONE 2022, MM81651/PS-89, was acquired by the Polizia in July 1989. The Italian Army Aviation UH-205A-1 MEP is assigned to 54° Gruppo Squadroni / 4° Reggimento AVES "Altair". The Reggimento (Regiment) consists of two Gruppi, both equipped with the veteran AB-205A, designated UH-205A in service with the Aviazione dell'Esercito (AVES). The 34° Gruppo Squadroni "Toro" is based at Venaria Reale nearby Torino, Piemonte, while its sister squadron, 54° Gruppo Squadroni "Cefeo", operates from Bolzano in Trentino-Alto Adige. Regardless of its age, the UH-205 is well capable of carrying out a variety of missions with emphasis on operations in the mountains, the main territory of the 4th Regiment. In preparation for deployments to Afghanistan to support Task Force La Fenice, ten AB-205s were modified to AB-205A-1 MEP – Mission Equipment Package in 2009. The upgrade was centered around the installation of the SIAP (Single Integrated Air Picture) self-protection suite, which included missile warning sensors, chaff and flare dispensers, and an infra-red (IR) guided missile countermeasure device (IRCM-144). The engine nozzle was replaced to accommodate an IR suppressor to cool engine exhaust gases. Other modifications included a reinforced floor and the installation of a Doppler radar integrated with GPS and radar altimeter for a better handling in darkness and brown-out conditions. All ten UH-205A MEP variants are believed to be still in service including MM80530, which was present at San Damiano. The Huey conducted night flights as well on the second day of LIVEX, using the helicopter's NVG capability. The remaining AB-205s will be replaced by the skidsequipped AW-169M, which will be delivered to the AVES from 2024.

Logistico dell'AM (Italian Air Force Logistic Command) is responsible for all operational support. VeronaVillafranca based 3° Stormo, assisted by the 1° Reparto Tecnico Comunicazioni di Linate, provided personnel, equipment, and infrastructure to establish a fully autonomous heliport. Support included fuel supply, fire services, air traffic control, meteo service, an operations room, and staff to direct helicopter ground maneuvers and assist in (dis)embarking of the rescue teams. All air traffic movements were controlled from a mobile control tower, complete with measuring equipment to collect meteorological data relevant for flight. Also, ground equipment was provided, such as a temporary hospital, a field kitchen, generators, sanitary facilities, tents, and corresponding furniture. During operations at such a remote heliport, a team from the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) of the Comando Operazioni Aerospaziali (COA) based in Poggio Renatico, Ferrara province, is responsible for command, control, and coordination of all flying assets. The CNSAS manages the units on the ground such as all rescue and medical assistance teams, either with a civil or military background. During GRIFONE 2022, about thirty ground assets were managed and directed by CNSAS. The majority of the rescue teams were drawn from the Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico from the Emilia Romagna region, which included squadre cinofile, units specialized in search operations using dogs. A delegation from 16° Stormo, "Fucilieri dell'Aria", was tasked with securing and protecting the PBA as well as emergency areas. Other units present to conduct searches on the ground originated from the Aeronautica Militare, Esercito Italiano (Italian Army), Guardia di Finanza (Customs Police), and the Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco (National Fire Fighting Corps). The Punto Medico Avanzato (PMA), an advanced field hospital, had been set up for training purposes for the duration of the exercise, however, it also served as a first aid location. Two ambulance vehicles, staffed by paramedics, were also present. Medical assistance, both in-flight and on the ground, was provided by a multi-agency team, composed of Infermiere Volontarie della CRI (voluntary nurses of the Italian Red Cross), 3° Stormo medical personnel working at the PMA, and medics from the Servizio Sanitario Emergenza Urgenza 118 (emergency health services 118) from Piacenza.

Air assets

In total, eleven helicopters and one fixed-wing aircraft were deployed to Piacenza-San Damiano Air Base to participate in GRIFONE 2022. Helicopter units represented all three branches of the Italian Armed Forces, three law enforcement agencies, the National Fire Fighting Corps, and the Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force). The Aeronautica Militare sent one HH-139B from 83° Gruppo CSAR based at Cervia and two TH500B's from 208° Gruppo. One TH-500B arrived from Frosinone, while the other one was operated by the Squadriglia Collegamenti di Linate. The same unit also provided a U-208A which flew missions from its home base Milano-Linate. The Marina Militare dispatched a single 1° Grupelicot MH-101A from nearby SarzanaLuni. The oldest helicopter present was an Esercito Italiano UH-205A-1 MEP from 54° Gruppo Squadroni, 4° Reggimento AVES "Altair", Bolzano. Four rotary assets were provided by three Italian law enforcement agencies. The Guardia di Finanza participated with one UH-169A from the Sezione Aerea di Rimini and a PH-139D from the Centro di Aviazione at Pratica di Mare. The Carabinieri deployed one of its two UH139Ds to San Damiano, assigned to the 4° Nucleo Elicotteri, Pisa-San Giusto. The Polizia di Stato was present with an AB-212 from Bologna-Panigale based 3° Reparto Volo. Located at the same airport, the Reparto Volo di Bologna dei Vigili del Fuoco participated with an AW-139. An AB-412 of the same unit was also scheduled to join but due to technical issues and an operational commitment to provide standby coverage for fire-fighting in Cecina, Tuscany, it was canceled. This year's edition of GRIFONE was also attended by a contingent of the Spanish Air Force to train with their Italian counterparts. One NH90TTH and one CN235M VIGMA from 803 Escuadrón, based at Madrid-Cuatro Vientos and Madrid-Getafe respectively, were deployed to San Damiano for the international SAR exercise. The contribution of both Spanish types to the 14th edition of GRIFONE was rather unique. It was the first time a Spanish Air Force NH-90 participated in any exercise abroad, while the CN235M VIGMA is specialized in maritime SAR and surveillance rather than search over land, which is the principal purpose of the GRIFONE exercises.

Training together

The majority of the participating helicopters and CN235 arrived at San Damiano on Monday, 13 June, one day ahead of the actual exercise (Live Exercise – LIVEX). However, the Spanish NH-90TTH already made the eight-hour journey to Italy the day before, requiring two fuel stops at Girona, Spain, and Nice in France. Finally, the Marina Militare MH-101A made the short transfer flight from Luni on Tuesday morning. GRIFONE 2022 started with on-ground instructing of CNSAS rescue teams by helicopter crews on procedures to safely and efficiently embark and disembark their specific type of helicopter. If applicable, also the correct operation of the rescue winch was briefed and trained. Early Tuesday

afternoon, the actual two-day joint training exercise kicked off when the first helicopters departed with CNSAS units for their short flight to the operations area south of San Damiano. On the first day of LIVEX, various simulated emergency scenarios had been prepared with an emphasis on the search and recovery of injured and missing persons, both tourists and hikers, in difficult terrain. On Wednesday, all teams were engaged in an operation to locate the crash site of a transport plane and rescue its crew and paratroopers onboard after contact was lost over mountainous terrain. To add to the reality of the scenario, a part of this rescue operation was conducted at night. In total, six flights were carried out in darkness by the HH-139B, MH-101A, UH205A, PH-139D, and AW-139, enabling flight crews to use their helicopter's NVG capability. Instead of participating in the rescue effort at night, the Vigili del Fuoco AW-139 was tasked with the collection of equipment from Cervia AB on the Adriatic coast. In two days, approximately 50 sorties were flown in which 44 flight hours were accumulated including five hours at night. The majority of the helicopter sorties were related to the transportation of rescue units and the search for and recovery of victims. A specific mission was assigned to the Spanish CN235M VIGMA, which acted as a communication bridge

between the helicopters and units on the ground by circling over the search area well above the operating altitude of the helicopters. Without airborne radio relay, communication between ground stations and rotary assets could easily be impaired or not even be possible due to the influence of high terrain, when conducting SAR operations in the mountains. The long endurance of the CN235 can also be very useful in these kinds of missions. Thursday was kept as a backup for the Live Exercise if the flight program

Italian Navy MH-101A assigned to 1° Grupelicot The Marina Militare, or Italian Navy, operates 22 EH-101's in four different versions comprising ten model 110/MPH (Maritime Patrol Helicopter) for anti-surface and submarine warfare, four model 122/HEW (Helicopter Early Warning) for maritime surveillance and early warning, four model 410/MSH (Medium Support Helicopter), and four model 413/ASH (Assault Support Helicopter). Both the MPH and HEW variant are denominated SH-101A while the MSH and ASH variants are referred to as MH101A. All eight MH-101As are assigned to 1° Gruppo Elicotteri based at Maristaeli Luni, just 10 kilometers east of the large Naval Base of La Spezia in the region of Liguria, Northern Italy. The MH-101As are being used to support special operations, amphibian assault, transport, and (Combat) SAR missions. The EH-101 MSH variant which participated in GRIFONE ‘22 can take a maximum of 35 fully equipped rescuers. When performing a medical evacuation flight, the large cabin has space for up to 16 stretchers. After the end of each exercise day at GRIFONE, the MH-101A returned to Luni to stay overnight.

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would have been affected on one of the previous days for whatever reason. In the end, no flights were conducted instead, this day was used for logistic purposes. On the last day of GRIFONE 2022, Friday, 17 June, the media was present at San Damiano to be briefed on the achievements of the exercise and to watch various demonstrations showing the interoperability between helicopter crew, rescue units, and assets on the ground. However, the Spanish delegation and the Frosinone based TH-500B already returned back home ahead of the demonstration flights. After the conclusion of the media day, all remaining helicopters departed San Damiano for their return flight home ending the 14th edition of the GRIFONE exercise.

Learning experience

The main objective of GRIFONE 2022 has been described as the consolidation and refinement of the existing synergy between the Aeronautica Militare and other branches of the armed forces, government services, and civil agencies in search and rescue operations, while constantly enhancing applied techniques and procedures. GRIFONE offers a unique opportunity for all participants to train existing operating procedures and learn from each other's capabilities, knowledge, and methods to carry out a search and rescue mission safely and effectively. During the exercise, CNSAS rescue units had the chance to work with helicopters and learn the characteristics of different models. Even though current fleet renewals are concentrated on the same type of helicopter, mainly the AW-139, there are certain differences in cabin layout, equipment, and procedures among the various operators, which need to be addressed. Also, the configuration of the AW-139 depends on the type of mission as not all equipment can be carried at the same time. Various elements of a typical SAR mission involving helicopters could be trained by CNSAS rescuers such as the entry and disembarkation with equipment, the use of the winch at height, recoveries at height including the use of stretchers, and the transportation of victims to the temporary heliport. Although helicopter crews are welltrained professionals in all aspects of a SAR mission, flying in mountainous

1 UH-169A MM81965/502 Sezione Aerea di Rimini On 21 May, 2021, UH-169A MM81965 "Volpe 502", was officially assigned to the Sezione Aerea di Rimini. With the arrival of an additional two UH-169As at the Centro di Aviazione at Pratica di Mare, "Volpe 502" was redirected to the Rimini based flight section. It is the latest unit to have received the type, which operates alongside two classic NH-500MD's until more AW-169s will become available. In total, 22 AW-169s have been purchased by the Guardia di Finanza, intended to standardize its rotary fleet. The initial six AW-169s, denominated UH-169A, all have a fixed, wheeled undercarriage, while sixteen still on order will be equipped with fixed skids. The Guardia di Finanza is launch customer of the new subtype, which was developed following specific acquisition requirements. Delivery of the initial batch of the skid-equipped AW-169M is scheduled for this summer, starting to replace the remaining NH-500s, AW-109s and AB-412s still in service with the Servizio Aereo di Guardia di Finanza.

2 PH-139D MM81961/413 Centro di Aviazione The Servizio Aereo della Guardia di Finanza operates 20 AW-139's in total, two PH-139A's and eighteen PH-139D's, acquired in three different batches of six helicopters each. The final PH139D (Patrol Helicopter) to be delivered, "Volpe 420", is still present at the Leonardo factory in Vergiate conducting test flights, most probably related to the certification of the latest avionics and software. The PH-139D which attended GRIFONE, MM81961 "Volpe 413", was the first AW139 to appear in the new color scheme in 2019, originally designed for the AW-169 model. All Sezioni Aeree (flight sections) in Southern Italy operate the AW-139, except for the Sezione Aerea di Palermo, which is still equipped with the AW-109N Nexus.

AW-139 of the Reparto Volo Bologna To modernize its rotary fleet, the Vigili del Fuoco ordered an initial eight AW-139s, followed by another ten helicopters. With the arrival of the AW-139, capacity has been significantly enhanced compared to the AB-412 it replaces. It is flying faster, is better equipped, and has a higher take-off weight. After the assignment of the first two AW139s to the Centro Volo at RomeCiampino, the Reparto Volo di Bologna was the first actual flight unit to receive the new AW-139 in December 2019. "Drago 151", which participated in GRIFONE, was delivered to Bologna two years later, in late December 2021, as the second AW-139 for the unit based here. This helicopter had been involved in the combined search operation of the missing AW-119 Koala in the Apennine mountains the week ahead of GRIFONE 2022. During the exercise, "Drago 151" flew multiple sorties with rescue teams on board. The helicopter also conducted night operations on the second day of LIVEX, as it was tasked with the collection of equipment from Cervia.

PH-139D of 4° Nucleo Elicotteri PH-139D MM81967 coded CC-02 is one of two AW-139s currently operated by the Raggruppamento Aeromobili di Carabinieri. Both AW139s were purchased to support operations of the Special Forces of the Arma dei Carabinieri. A different, darker color scheme was applied, which is more adapted to special operations. The PH-139D present at San Damiano, "Fiamma 02", was delivered to the Carabinieri in May 2020 and is assigned to 4° Nucleo Elicotteri at Pisa-San Giusto, in support of the 1st Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania". However, all kinds of missions are being trained by PH-139D crew such as assisting in emergency situations as demonstrated at GRIFONE 2022.

terrain is demanding. There is a certain risk involved here due to sudden changes in wind direction and speed while engine performance is affected by an increase in density altitude, especially when operating at high weights. This certainly needs to be taken into account when positioning the helicopter for winch operation or land on elevated terrain. Skills, effective communication, and coordination between pilots, technician, winch operator, and rescuers will determine the successful outcome of such a mission, competencies which can be trained in particular during exercises like GRIFON. Also for the Soccorso Alpino Emilia Romagna (SAER), it has been a fruitful exercise. Next to the participation of the ground rescue teams, SAER was tasked to plan intervention scenarios in cooperation with the Aeronautica Militare and coordinate all search and rescue operations on the ground. Also, new elements were added to GRIFONE such as the employment of the Spanish CN235M VIGMA, which participated for the first time. This year's foreign observers came from Albania, Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Uzbekistan. They had the opportunity to exchange ideas and methods while learning about the different aspects of a search and rescue operation as demonstrated at GRIFONE. As they were mainly interested in techniques and procedures used by the Rescue Coordination Centre, the observers remained at the Posto Base Avanzato instead of witnessing the actual search and rescue operations in the mountains. In total 450 persons participated in GRIFONE 2022 to exercise together and get prepared in the best way possible to be able to respond effectively to any type of emergency call.

Emergency call

Barely a week ahead of this year's edition of GRIFONE, a large search operation was launched for a missing AW-119 Koala with seven people on board. The AW-119 had departed Lucca airport, Tuscany, for a flight to the Province of Treviso on 9 June, when contact was lost while crossing a densely wooded area of the Apennines on the regional border between Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. The Aeronautica Militare almost immediately

AW-139 of the Reparto Volo Bologna To modernize its rotary fleet, the Vigili del Fuoco ordered an initial eight AW-139s, followed by another ten helicopters. With the arrival of the AW-139, capacity has been significantly enhanced compared to the AB-412 it replaces. It is flying faster, is better equipped, and has a higher take-off weight. After the assignment of the first two AW139s to the Centro Volo at RomeCiampino, the Reparto Volo di Bologna was the first actual flight unit to receive the new AW-139 in December 2019. "Drago 151", which participated in GRIFONE, was delivered to Bologna two years later, in late December 2021, as the second AW-139 for the unit based here. This helicopter had been involved in the combined search operation of the missing AW-119 Koala in the Apennine mountains the week ahead of GRIFONE 2022. During the exercise, "Drago 151" flew multiple sorties with rescue teams on board. The helicopter also conducted night operations on the second day of LIVEX, as it was tasked with the collection of equipment from Cervia.

PH-139D of 4° Nucleo Elicotteri PH-139D MM81967 coded CC-02 is one of two AW-139s currently operated by the Raggruppamento Aeromobili di Carabinieri. Both AW139s were purchased to support operations of the Special Forces of the Arma dei Carabinieri. A different, darker color scheme was applied, which is more adapted to special operations. The PH-139D present at San Damiano, "Fiamma 02", was delivered to the Carabinieri in May 2020 and is assigned to 4° Nucleo Elicotteri at Pisa-San Giusto, in support of the 1st Paratroopers Regiment "Tuscania". However, all kinds of missions are being trained by PH-139D crew such as assisting in emergency situations as demonstrated at GRIFONE 2022. received a request from the Modena prefecture to help coordinate a full search operation. In the following days, more than 10 helicopters assisted in the search, including HH-139s from the Aeronautica Militare, a Guardia Finanza HH-412, and UH-169A while the Vigili del Fuoco responded to the scene with an AB-412 and an AW-139. On the ground, various teams comprising approximately 100 professionals and volunteers from the CNSAS, Protezione Civile, Vigili del Fuoco, Carabinieri, and Guardia di Finanza were deployed. The search was hampered by bad weather, difficult terrain, and a lack of any signal reception from neither the emergency locator transmitter (ELT) nor any mobile phone. Moreover, it was likely that the helicopter had diverted from the planned route due to deteriorating weather. Two days later, on 11 June, the search effort had already entered its third day, a hiker discovered scattered debris close to Monte Cusna and informed the authorities. A Guardia di Finanza HH-412 operating in the area at the time was directed to the specified location to confirm the crash site. This incident shows the importance of a well-coordinated search and rescue operation, exactly what the GRIFONE exercise is all about. Lessons learned from the AW-119 search operation and the actual exercise will surely be implemented in next year's edition of GRIFONE.

The author would like to thank the Public Affairs Officer of GRIFONE Maresciallo (Marshal) Tulliani for his support in the preparation of this article.

Italian Air Force TH-500Bs assigned to 208° Gruppo / 72° Stormo The light and agile Breda-Nardi NH-500E, designated TH-500B in Italian military service, can only take two members of a CNSAS rescue team at the same time due to its small cabin. However, when rapid intervention is required, the velocity of the TH-500 is highly beneficial to be on the emergency site quickly. In SAR operations, the TH-500B is tasked with both, search missions and the transport of rescuers. Although the TH-500B is predominantly used for training cadets by 72° Stormo at Frosinone, a couple of these helicopters are assigned to other units including the Squadriglia Collegamenti di Linate for liaison, surveillance, and continuation training.

Italian Air Force TH-500Bs assigned to 208° Gruppo / 72° Stormo The light and agile Breda-Nardi NH-500E, designated TH-500B in Italian military service, can only take two members of a CNSAS rescue team at the same time due to its small cabin. However, when rapid intervention is required, the velocity of the TH-500 is highly beneficial to be on the emergency site quickly. In SAR operations, the TH-500B is tasked with both, search missions and the transport of rescuers. Although the TH-500B is predominantly used for training cadets by 72° Stormo at Frosinone, a couple of these helicopters are assigned to other units including the Squadriglia Collegamenti di Linate for liaison, surveillance, and

Ialian Air Force HH-139B of 83° Gruppo CSAR / 15° Stormo This HH-139B MM82030/15-74 is one of the latest additions to the HH-139 fleet operated by 15° Stormo. The CSAR helicopter was delivered to Cervia from the Leonardo factory at Vergiate in early December 2021. In total, 17 HH-139Bs were ordered to augment 13 HH-139As already in service with the Aeronautica Militare. Deliveries of the HH139B started in November 2020 and were completed by the end of January 2022. Compared to the HH139A, the Bravo version features a double rescue winch, a new radar, new electro-optics, a mission console in the cabin, and Phase 8 software release providing better mission capabilities. The HH-139A, in service since March 2012, will be upgraded to the same standard as the HH-139B in terms of onboard systems and avionics. Modifications include the installation of a double Breeze-Eastern HS16600 winch, an Engine Wash Kit, and the implementation of an Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) in the HF radio transceiver system. The retrofit program will be carried out between 2022 and 2025 to all 13 HH-139A's at a total cost of € 61.5 million.

Ialian Air Force HH-139B of 83° Gruppo CSAR /

This HH-139B MM82030/15-74 is one of the latest additions to the HH-139 fleet operated by 15° Stormo. The CSAR helicopter was delivered to Cervia from the Leonardo factory at Vergiate in early December 2021. In total, 17 HH-139Bs were ordered to augment 13 HH-139As already in service with the Aeronautica Militare. Deliveries of the HH139B started in November 2020 and were completed by the end of January 2022. Compared to the HH139A, the Bravo version features a double rescue winch, a new radar, new electro-optics, a mission console in the cabin, and Phase 8 software release providing better mission capabilities. The HH-139A, in service since March 2012, will be upgraded to the same standard as the HH-139B in terms of onboard systems and avionics. Modifications include the installation of a double Breeze-Eastern HS16600 winch, an Engine Wash Kit, and the implementation of an Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) in the HF radio transceiver system. The retrofit program will be carried out between 2022 and 2025 to all 13 HH-139A's at a total cost of € 61.5 million.

Spanish Air Force NH-90TTH assigned to 803 Escuadrón The very first NH-90TTH for the Ejército del Aire was handed over to 803 Escuadrón following an official ceremony at Airbus Helicopters in Albacete on 16 October 2020. All new Spanish NH-90TTH's are first being ferried from the factory at Marignane, France, to Albacete, Spain, for modifications before delivery. By February 2022, six NH-90TTH's had been delivered to 803 Escuadrón at Cuatro Vientos, replacing the Super Puma in use by the SAR unit since December 1982. After having achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in December 2021, 803 Escuadrón commenced 24/7 SAR alert duties with the new type, named "Lobo" (wolf) in service with the Ejército del Aire. The NH-90TTH which participated in GRIFONE 2022, HD.29-18, was assigned to 803 Escuadrón in May 2021. This squadron is the only SAR squadron in the Ejército del Aire tasked with both SAR and Combat SAR missions. GRIFONE 2022 was the very first time an Ejército del Aire NH-90TTH participated in an international exercise outside Spain.

Main image Spanish Air Fore CN235M-100 VIGMA assigned to 803 Escuadrón The Ejército del Aire (Spanish Air Force) operates eight CASA CN235M VIGMA's (Vigilancia Marítima – maritime surveillance), all converted transport aircraft. The first CN235 VIGMA, denominated D.4 in Spanish military service, was assigned to 803 Escuadrón at Getafe in February 2008. The aircraft is equipped with different sensors providing data to the onboard Full Integrated Tactical System or FITS. This system integrates all sensor information together with navigation and mission-specific data displayed at two separate consoles. The primary sensor is the AN/APS-504 search radar attached to the lower fuselage, providing a 360-degree azimuth coverage. The advanced sensor suite enables the CN235 VIGMA to undertake both maritime surveillance and SAR missions over land and at sea during day and night. The 2022 edition of GRIFONE was the first time the Spanish CN235 participated in the international SAR exercise. The VIGMA provided a communication bridge between helicopters and units on the ground in mountainous terrain.

Inset Italian Air Force SIAI S-208M assigned to 60° Stormo / Squadriglia Collegamenti di Linate Besides the NH-500E, the Squadriglia Collegamenti di Linate is also equipped with the SIAI S-208M for similar tasks such as training, liaison, and surveillance flights. In combined search and rescue operations as practiced during GRIFONE, the S-208M, designated U-208A, can carry out surveillance flights over the search area to serve as a communications platform.